The Sabbath services on January 19, 2019 began with a song service led by Maria (junior) and Kelly Anne (9th grader) accompanied by Leilani (junior) on the piano. The opening song was “I Will Follow Thee”.
Arielle Pierre welcomed everyone. Leilani (junior) had prayer, and read the scripture reading – Psalm 62:1-8 “1 ¶ « To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. » Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation. 2 He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him. 6 He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God. 8 ¶ Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.”
Arielle Pierre shared some of her life experiences with the group. She comes from a professional family in the suburbs of Miami. She wanted to be a missionary and applied to go to Korea. But then six months into her marriage with Joubert she found out that she was having Gabby. Today she is dealing with two small children, cheered by the story of Moses, who spent forty years in the wilderness getting used to a simple life. She mentioned that Laurelbrook students have every opportunity to build character in the many aspects of the vocational program. She now enjoys the tranquility that her house by the cemetery gives her.
Exodus 33:11 “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
She then gave the congregation an opportunity to respond. She then called for the Laurelbrook Missions Offering, which was collected by Felix (junior) and Mark (junior) and which goes to support Laurelbrook mission trips. The congregation sang “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” while the offering was being collected.
Arielle Pierre had the closing prayer. Rodney Herra led the adult lesson study in the main sanctuary, Rich Sutton the student class “behind the glass” in the rear of the church sanctuary.
Personnel Other Than Students:
Arielle Pierre – wife of Joubert Pierre, who teaches the academy math classes
Rich Sutton – Laurelbrook president
Following are a few notes from the audience reaction to Arielle Pierre’s presentation: